Roxanne intended to take the children out after breakfast, but Archie and Benny rejected her offer. “We’re still tired from yesterday, Mommy, and would like to stay in today. Besides, Essie must want you to herself since you’ll be leaving on your trip tomorrow.”
Estella did not know what the two older boys were planning, but she did want to spend time with her mother. “Let’s stay in today, Mommy!” She nodded without hesitation.
Roxanne gave in to the children’s request. “Let me tidy up the kitchen first. You guys go ahead and play while I’m at it.”
Archie and Benny nodded, then led Estella up the stairs. The three children went straight for the bedroom, and as soon as they closed the door, Archie and Benny gave Estella a toy.
“Archie and I are going to watch the stock market for a while. Play on our own for a while, all right? With the patience and shrewdness of an adult, Benny cajoled his sister into obliging. him.
Estella grumbled when a doll was forced into her hands, but the two boys were already huddled together in a whispered discussion. “Mommy mentioned she’s going to the medical consultation. She must be going with Mr. Damaris!”
Worry was written all over Benny’s face. Archie was similarly glum. “But Mommy said she’s going to help treat some old people. We can’t stop her.”
Compared to their parent’s relationship, the children held the well-being of the troubled elderly people in higher regard. Benny pulled a face at his brother’s words, “I know, but what happens if Mommy changes her mind while she’s there?”
Mr. Damaris once sent Mommy flowers, for God’s sake! The boys were worried that their mother would be moved from spending time with Jack and cast their father aside.
Would we become fatherless children? Archie frowned and fell silent for a long time. It is true. Benny has a valid point. We can’t let Mommy be alone with Mr. Damaris. “We can’t stop Mommy, but we can tell Daddy.” Archie said solemnly after a long pause..
Benny’s eyes lit up. That’s right! Daddy will think of something if we tell him! The children heaved a sigh of relief at that thought and took out their smartwatches to send their father a message.
“Archie, Benny, what are you guys talking about? I’m so bored!” Cuddling the doll and looking aggrieved, Estella trudge over.
Unsure if she was mistaken, Estella noticed that her brothers had been having hushed discussions without her since they discovered. the truth of her birth. We used to talk about things together. How upsetting!
A trace of guilt flashed across Benny’s face. He gave her a mysterious grin and said, “Nothing. We were talking about the stock market. You’re too young, so we left you out because we thought you would be bored listening to us.”
The boy had no choice but to tell his sister a lie while suppressing a powerful sense of disgust with himself.
Gazing at Estella’s innocent expression, Benny changed the subject immediately, afraid of
